On homecoming night in Payson High football stadium, the Longhorns took a 20-0 halftime lead over the Coronado Dons but then had to survive a furious comeback in which the visitors scored 26 points in the final two stanzas.

When the dust finally settled in the sold out stadium, the Horns escaped with a 28-26 nail-biting victory to improve their record to 4-3.

Most importantly, the win keeps hopes alive that the Horns can earn a seed into the 16-team state tournament when it begins play Nov. 2.

See the Oct.23 edition of the Payson Roundup for complete game details.